A Frontline Traditional Ruler in Osun State, Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Larooye at the weekend vowed that traditional institutions in Osogbo are battle ready to wage war against gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.
Ataoja who spoke through his High Chief Kazeem Abayomi Azeez, Ajagunna of Osogboland when HACEY conducted a high-level advocacy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace noted that the visit focused on strengthening traditional and community leadership support for GBV prevention and response
The project was titled: “Empowering Christian Women Leaders and Women Leaders of Culture on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.”
According to him, the Palace of the Ataoja would fully backs the initiative by empowering women leaders to tackle GBV, while cultural institutions step into frontline role in community justice and survivor support.
The palace, represented by the Ajaguna of Osogbo equally signed a commitment certificate supporting Advocacy against GBV, Accountability for perpetrators and support for survivors.
However, the endorsement of the palace significantly increases community acceptance of GBV prevention efforts, reporting and referral of survivors, accountability at grassroots level and shift in narrative as GBV was also framed as “a crime against humanity,” not just women.
Also at the meeting with chiefs and kingmakers by the management of HACEY the palace publicly supported justice and accountability and waste in agreement to participate in upcoming leadership dialogue (April 2026).
The engagement marks a significant step in aligning traditional authority with modern efforts to combat gender-based violence, potentially reshaping how communities prevent abuse and support survivors in Osun State.
In his remarks the HACEY program officer, Mr. Isaiah Adedayo called for support in an effort to combat the problem of GBV in all ramifications.
He however commended Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Larooye, for his love for the project on how communities can prevent abuse and support HACEY in achieving the needed results.
The meeting was attended by a four-person HACEY team, including Isaiah Adedayo, program officer, Anjola Oyelola, Praise Agboola and Mrs. Adesewa rest that represented the organisation during the visit.
The palace delegation included the Ataoja of Osogbo represented by the Ajaguna of Osogbo, High Chief Kazeem Abayomi Azeez, High Chief Awawu Asindemade, Iyalode of Osogboland, six kingmakers and other palace chiefs.
Two palace women who had previously participated in the project training were also present, namely Chief Mrs. Semiat
identified as the Otun Iyalode, and Mrs. Oshunkemi Oyeyemi Olaludi, identified as the Iyaloja of Akede.
The palace secretary also attended as the key contact person for follow-up on scheduling and participation in the forthcoming leadership dialogue.
Meanwhile, previously trained palace women leaders spoke during the visit where they demonstrated Improved knowledge of GBV response and referral pathways, increased confidence to speak before traditional authorities and these women are now positioned as community champions and first responders
Yinka Kolawole
